Beer pong cup holder

ABSTRACT

The embodiments disclosed herein provide an apparatus that serves as a cup holder for the game of beer pong, also called Beirut. The beverage cup holder includes a frame for containing beverage cups. The frame includes one or more segments having an inner wall and outer wall. The inner walls of the one or more segments collectively define an inner region of the beer pong cup holder. An illumination device disposed between the inner wall and the outer wall of the one or more segments is arranged to shine light at least toward the inner region of the beer pong cup holder.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to beer pong cup holders for playing the game of beer pong (also called Beirut).

BACKGROUND

Beer pong (also called Beirut) is a drinking game in which players throw a ball (e.g., a ping pong ball) across a table with the intent of landing the ball in an opponent's cup on the other end of the table. Although rules vary according to local customs, a typical game will involve two teams, each having one or more players (often two players per team), and each having a number of cups (e.g., 10 cups) arranged in a particular pattern (e.g., a triangle) and filled at least partially with a beverage (often beer, but non-alcoholic beverages can also be used). The teams take turns attempting to throw the ball into the opposing team's cups (an attempt is sometimes called a “shot”). When a shot lands in an opposing team's cup, the shot is said to be a “make” and the opposing team is required to consume the contents of the beverage cup and remove the beverage cup from play. For sanitation reasons, in some circumstances, a different cup (e.g., a clean cup, other than the beverage cup in which the ball landed) is used for the consumption. The object of the game is to remove, in the manner described above, all of the opposing team's cups from play.

Many variations of Beirut exist. For example, in accordance with some rules, a team's cups are “re-racked” at certain times. For example, when a team has four remaining cups out of an original 10, some rules dictate that the four remaining cups should be rearranged to form a diamond. Other rule variations may admit to differences from the general outline of the game description given above.

As described in greater detail below, beer pong is often played in dimly lit environments (e.g., parties). It can be difficult to see the beverage cups, and hence difficult for players to aim their shots.

SUMMARY

Disclosed are beer pong cup holders that overcome the above mentioned difficulties experienced when playing beer pong. In particular, the beer pong cup holders described herein illuminate, at least partially, beverage cups used in the game of beer pong, and thus make it easier for players to aim their shots. In addition, the beer pong cup holders described herein are inexpensive, durable, portable, and provide enhanced visual effects (e.g., through the use of ultraviolet (UV) illumination, which can cause game objects such as balls and cups to “glow”).

In particular, to address the aforementioned problems with conventional equipment used for beer pong (e.g., a dining room table), the disclosed embodiments provide a beer pong cup holder that includes a frame for containing beverage cups. In some embodiments, the beer pong cup holder is free-standing, while in other embodiments, the beer pong cup holder is incorporated into a playing surface of a beer pong table. In any event, the frame includes one or more segments. The one or more segments, continuously or discontinuously, collectively define an inner region of the beer pong cup holder. The beer pong cup holder also includes an illumination device disposed on or within the one or more segments that is arranged to shine light at least toward the inner region of the beer pong cup holder.

In some embodiments, the one or more segments include an inner wall and an outer wall. The respective inner walls of the one or more segments define the inner region of the beer pong cup holder and the illumination device is disposed between said inner wall and said outer wall of the one or more segments.

In some embodiments, the illumination device also includes an assembly arranged between said inner surface and said outer surface. The assembly includes a light source and circuitry for providing power to said light source. In some embodiments, the light source and the circuitry for providing power to said light source are mounted with the assembly such that, when the beer pong cup holder is placed on a table for use, the light source and the circuitry for providing power to said light source are elevated from the surface of the table. In some embodiments, the light source is one of a cold cathode or a light emitting diode (LED) strip. In some embodiments, the light source is an ultraviolet light source and the light is ultraviolet light.

In some embodiments, the inner wall and the outer wall are made from a material that is substantially transparent to the light.

In some embodiments, the inner region is substantially triangular. In some embodiments, the one or more segments comprise a plurality of straight segments. In some embodiments, the inner wall and the outer wall are coupled by a top wall. In some embodiments, the inner wall, outer wall, and top wall are continuous in cross-section and formed from extrusion of a material from which they are made.

In some embodiments, the beer pong cup holder is arranged to contain a plurality of beverage cups within the inner region, each of the beverage cups having a top rim. The illumination device is arranged to shine the light toward the top rim of each of the plurality of beverage cups.

In some embodiments, the beer pong cup holder also includes a plurality of second light sources arranged within the inner region. The plurality of second light sources is located between said beverage cups when the beverage cups are of a predefined size and arranged at a maximum capacity of beverage cups within the inner region of the beer pong cup holder. In some embodiments, the plurality of second light sources shines light substantially upward toward the rim of said beverage cups.

To address the aforementioned problems with conventional equipment used for beer pong, the disclosed embodiments provide another beer pong cup holder that includes a panel having a top surface. The top surface has a plurality of visual indicia, each indicating a respective location on which to position a beverage cup of a predefined size. Each of the beverage cups has a rim. The beer pong cup holder also includes a plurality of light sources coupled with the panel and arranged such that, when said beverage cups are arranged on the surface in accordance with the visual indicia, the light sources of the plurality of light sources are positioned between the beverage cups and shine light upward toward the rims of the beverage cups.

In some embodiments, the visual indicia are embodied as relief in the surface of the panel. In some embodiments, the visual indicia are embodied as visual markings on the surface of the panel.

In some embodiments, the plurality of light sources includes a light source position halfway between geometric centers of each pair of respective locations on which to position a beverage cup of predefined size.

In some embodiments, the plurality of visual indicia includes visual indicia corresponding to 10 beverage cup locations. In some embodiments, the 10 beverage cup locations are arranged in a triangular manner. In some embodiments, the 10 beverage cup locations are arranged in a first row of four cups, a second row of three cups, a third row of two cups, and a fourth row of one cup.

In some embodiments, the panel is a playing surface of a beer pong table.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional (3D) isometric view of a beer pong cup holder for containing and illuminating beverage cups, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional (3D) isometric view of a beer pong cup holder for containing and illuminating beverage cups, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a three-dimensional (3D) isometric view of a beer pong cup holder for containing and illuminating beverage cups, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4A is a plan view of a beer pong cup holder for containing and illuminating beverage cups, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4B is a partial side view of the beer pong cup holder illustrated in FIG. 4A, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a beer pong cup holder for containing and illuminating beverage cups, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a beer pong cup holder for containing and illuminating beverage cups, in accordance with some embodiments.

Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Beirut is a popular drinking game at parties, which are often held in a dimly lit atmosphere. Because players need to be able to see their targets in order to effectively aim, it is helpful to illuminate at least the tops (e.g., rims) of the beverage cups, if not the entire table. The embodiments described herein address the problem of beverage cup illumination in a manner that is cost effective, durable, convenient, affordable, and compatible with “enhanced visual effects” (e.g., fluorescent visual effects) that are popular at parties and other situations in which Beirut is played. To that end, a number of approaches can be employed to illuminate at least the tops of the beverage cups used for Beirut. One approach is overhead illumination, for example, with an ultraviolet (UV) lamp (a so-called “black light”) that provides a “glowing” effect to the table and cups. But this approach requires time and effort to install, is not easily portable, and can be exceedingly costly. Another approach, in accordance with some embodiments, is to provide illumination from underneath the beverage cups. The problem with this approach is that when beer is illuminated, particularly in a dark environment and even more particularly by ultraviolet (UV) light, the resulting color is unattractive and unsightly.

The embodiments described herein provide a beer pong cup holder (e.g., a rack) that avoids the problems associated with conventional equipment used for beer pong. To this end, some embodiments of the beer pong cup holder include a frame made up of one or more segments. The segments collectively define an inner region (e.g., the inner region takes on a triangular shape seen often in billiard racks that provide an arrangement of billiard balls similar to the arrangement of cups used for beer pong). In some embodiments, an illumination device is disposed on or within the one or more segments, as described in greater detail below. The illumination device shines light (e.g., UV light) toward the inner region where, in use, cups are placed. Specifically, in some embodiments, the illumination device shines light directionally toward the location of the tops of the beverage cups. The light is shone primarily on the tops of the beverage cups so as to illuminate the tops of the beverage cups without excessively illuminating the beverage and causing the unsightly appearance noted above. While, in some embodiments, the beer pong cup holder is built into (e.g., mechanically incorporated into) a beer pong table, in other embodiments, the beer pong cup holder is a free-standing, light weight beer pong cup holder (analogous to a billiard rack) and is thus portable, inexpensive, and hassle-free (e.g., does not require extensive setup, as might an overhead illumination setup).

As used herein, the terms “holder,” “frame,” and “rack” all refer to a framework on or in which articles (e.g., beverage cups) are placed. In some embodiments, the beer pong cup holder provides structural support to engage and/or grasps cups used in a game of beer pong (e.g., depressions into which the beverage cups are placed, which provide a snug or secure fit for the beverage cups). In some embodiments, the beer pong cup holder includes visual indicia indicating proper placement of the beverage cups (e.g., first visual indicia indicating an initial placement and second visual indicia indicating a “re-rack” placement, as described with reference to the background section above).

Reference will now be made in detail to various implementations, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure and the described implementations herein. However, implementations described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and mechanical apparatus have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the implementations.

FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional (3D) isometric view of a beer pong cup holder 100 for containing and illuminating beverage cups, in accordance with some embodiments. Beer pong cup holder 100 includes a frame 112 for containing beverage cups 106. Beverage cups 106-a, 106-b, and 106-c are examples of standard beverage cups (e.g., beverage cups having a predefined size). The remaining beverage cups shown in FIG. 1 are not labeled with a reference number so as not to crowd the drawing. Frame 112 includes several segments, including a plurality of straight segments 102 (e.g., segment 102-a, 102-b, and 102-c) and a curved segment 114 (for clarity, only one of the curved segments shown in the drawing is labeled with a reference number). The several segments collectively define an inner region of beer pong cup holder 100, into which beverage cups are placed (e.g., beer pong cup holder 100 is arranged to contain a plurality of beverage cups within the inner region). More specifically, FIG. 1 shows an example embodiment in which the inner region is triangular and configured to contain (e.g., hold) 10 cups of a standard (e.g., predefined) size in a predefined arrangement. For example, starting from any of the straight sections 102, the arrangement as shown includes a row of four cups, a row of three cups, and a row of two cups and a “row” of one cup. This beverage cup arrangement is popular in beer pong and accords with a wide variety of beer pong rules.

In some embodiments, the segments discontinuously define the inner region, meaning that the segments do not entirely encompass the inner region (i.e., there are one or more gaps between respective segments). For example, in some embodiments, the segments are fastened to a beer pong table in the shape of a triangle with gaps between the various segments. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the segments are connected by a non-rigid electrical wire, such that the non-rigid electrical wire results in gaps between the segments. In some embodiments, the one or more segments comprise a single circular segment that is continuous (i.e., has no gaps).

The standard beverage cups 106 shown in FIG. 1 are tapered, meaning that they are characterized by a minor (e.g., smaller) radius at the bottom of each cup and a major (e.g., larger) radius at the top of each cup. In the arrangement shown, each row is inwardly offset from the adjacent larger row by a distance substantially equal to the major radius of the example standard beverage cups. To this end, in some embodiments, beer pong cup holder 100 is triangular and includes three straight segments 102 and three curved segments 114: the straight segments 102 have a length substantially equal to six-times the major radius (e.g., plus an optional tolerance) and the curved segments 114 have an inner radius of curvature of the beverage cup's minor radius (e.g., plus an optional tolerance) and central angle of sixty degrees. These dimensions provide a substantially snug fit for the popular beverage cup arrangement described above, in a manner somewhat analogous to the substantially snug fit that triangular billiard racks provide for billiards balls.

As an example, in some embodiments, beer pong cup holder 100 is configured (e.g., the dimensions are sized) so as to contain the described arrangement of beverage cups when the beverage cups are 16-ounce “red cups” produced by the Solo Cup Company, or a similar “generic” beverage cup. Although such beverage cups are described as “red cups” for the sake of explanation, the beverage cups are not typically part of beer pong cup holder 100 and can therefore be any color, or can be clear (e.g., transparent), or can be largely transparent and coated with a fluorescent material (e.g., so as to “glow”) and/or a phosphorescent material (e.g., so as to “glow-in-the-dark”).

As shown in inset 116, beer pong cup holder 100 also includes an illumination device 122 disposed within the segments 102. Illumination device 122 is arranged to shine light 118 at least toward the inner region defined by the one or more segments. More specifically, in some embodiments, each beverage cup has a top rim and illumination device 122 is arranged to shine the light toward the top rim of each of the plurality of beverage cups. This arrangement, in which the light is primarily shone from the sides or edges of the beer pong cup holder 100 inwardly toward the beverage cups, is referred to as “side of cup illumination.”

In some circumstances, the top rims of the beverage cups may be coated with or otherwise incorporated with a fluorescent material that “glows” when ultraviolet light is shone on it, thus providing an enhanced visual effect that allows players to more clearly see their target (e.g., the top rims of the beverage cups). In some embodiments, the one or more segments include an inner wall 108 and an outer wall 110. The respective inner walls 108 of the one or more segments define the inner region of beer pong cup holder 100 and illumination device 122 is disposed between inner wall 108 and outer wall 110. In some embodiments, illumination device 122 includes an assembly 120 arranged between inner surface 108 and outer surface 110, one or more light sources 104, and circuitry (not shown) for providing power to light sources 104. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, illumination device 122 includes a light strip (e.g., a tape) of light emitting diodes light sources (LEDs) 104 (e.g., LEDs 104-a, 104-b, and 104-c, as well as LED 104-d which is shown in inset 116). In some embodiments, illumination device 122 encases the light sources 104 in a liquid-protective seal (for example, LEDs 104 are encased in IP65 wet-location-rated silicone). Such a liquid-protective seal is advantageous because it protects the light sources from spilled beer and other beverages. In addition, in some embodiments, light sources 104 and the circuitry for providing power to light sources 104 are mounted with assembly 120 such that, when beer pong cup holder 100 is placed on a table for use, light sources 104 and the circuitry for providing power to the light source are elevated from the table (e.g., by 5 millimeters (mm), 1 centimeter (cm), 2 centimeters (cm), or any other distance sufficient to keep light source 104 and the circuitry substantially above spilled liquid). This provides additionally advantageous protection for spilled or splashed liquids that tend to puddle on the table.

In some embodiments, LEDs 104 are ultraviolet LEDs, meaning that LEDs 104 produce light 118 having a wavelength in the ultraviolet range of 100-450 nanometers (nm). Alternatively, LEDs 104 comprise LEDs of any color (e.g., red, green, yellow, blue). In some embodiments, the LEDs 104 comprise multi-color LEDs. In some embodiments, a user (e.g., a play of the game) can select a color to display using an affordance (such as a button) coupled to a processors that controls the display of LEDs 104 (thus, in some embodiments, beer pong cup holder 100 includes a processor, sometimes called a “microprocessor”). In some embodiments, LEDs 104 transition through a predefined sequence of colors and/or illumination states (or a respective user selected predefined sequence of a plurality of pre. For example, LEDs 104 may illuminate in a temporally shifting circular pattern to give the impression of “a wave.”

In some embodiments, LEDs 104 are SMD LED modules (where SMD stands for surface mounted diode, meaning that such diodes are manufactured using surface mount technology). A variety of SMD LED sizes can be used for LEDs 104 in accordance with a variety of implementations. For example, in various embodiments, LEDs 104 are: 5050 SMD LEDs (5.0 mm×5.0 mm LEDs); 3528 SMD LEDs (3.5 mm×2.8 mm LEDs); 3020 SMD LEDs (3.0 mm×2.0 mm LEDs); 5630 SMD LEDs (5.6 mm×3.0 mm LEDs); or 2835 SMD LEDs (2.8 mm×3.5 mm LEDs). In some embodiments, the LEDs 104 are configured to operate at a predefined working voltage (e.g., 12V). This relatively low-voltage, which can be provided by common batteries (e.g., AA batteries) in series, provides an additional level of safety-of-use.

Although beer pong cup holder 100 is shown as a free-standing beer pong cup holder, in other embodiments, beer pong cup holder 100 is mechanically coupled to or incorporated into a beer pong table. In addition, beer pong cup holder 100 optionally includes any of the features of the beer pong cup holders described with references to any of the other figures, although such features may not be shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional (3D) isometric view of a beer pong cup holder 200 for containing and illuminating beverage cups, in accordance with some embodiments. Beer pong cup holder 200 is analogous to beer pong cup holder 100 described with reference to FIG. 1, except that beer pong cup holder 200 includes a cold-cathode-based gas-discharge lamp light source 204 (e.g., a light source that produces light based on cold cathode discharge of mercury gas). In some embodiments, the cold-cathode-based gas-discharge lamp is an ultraviolet (UV) light source, as described above. In some embodiments, the UV light source is a mercury gas-discharge lamp with characteristic emission lines in the ultraviolet wavelength range that are used to provide the ultraviolet light.

In addition, inset 216 in FIG. 2 illustrates that, in some embodiments, inner wall 108 and outer wall 110 are coupled by a top wall 224. Also, in some embodiments, inner wall 108, outer wall 110, and top wall 224 are continuous in cross-section and formed from extrusion of a material (e.g., clear rigid polyvinylchloride (PVC)) from which they (i.e., the walls) are made.

In embodiments that make use of ultraviolet light, the ultraviolet light can charge a printed ink or paint infused with glow powder (translucent, transparent, or opaque) thereby causing the glow powder to emit visible light, charge a plastic or rubber (like PU) infused with glow powder thereby causing the glow powder to emit visible light, or illuminate a fluorescent color ink, paint, plastic, rubber, etc., thereby causing the fluorescent color ink, paint, plastic, or rubber to emit a visible light. For example, as shown in inset 218, in some embodiments, a respective wall (e.g., in this case inner wall 108) is printed, embedded, or otherwise impregnated with a fluorescent or phosphorescent material in any of these manners with a graphical design 220 (e.g., the words “Glow Pong”), such that the graphical design 220 emits visible light and thereby “glows.” In some embodiments, the graphical design 220 is “aimed” toward the location where the beverage cups are placed when in use, so that the visible light emitted by the graphical design is shone (e.g., projected) onto the beverage cups placed therein.

Regarding fluorescence, this type of luminescence occurs when some form of radiation, such as ultraviolet light, causes an object to glow. For example, fluorescent papers and poster boards glow in the daylight. They may seem to glow even brighter under black light (ultraviolet), but in either case, as soon as the light is removed, the glow stops. Fluorescent objects do not glow in the dark all by themselves; they require some other form of energy such as ultraviolet light to “excite” them. One manufacturer of suitable fluorescent pigments that can be used in the disclosed embodiments is Glow, Inc. Severn, Md.

In some embodiments a phosphorescent compound is used. Phosphorescence is just like fluorescence, except that the glow continues even after the light used to excite it is removed. “Glow-in-the-dark” toys phosphoresce brightly in total darkness after being “charged” or excited by ordinary white or ultraviolet light. Glow powder works by absorbing surrounding light energy and then releases that energy when the lights go out. Glow powder is typically made with zinc sulfide or other materials like strontium aluminate pigments. In some embodiments, light source 204 is used to charge a phosphorescent compound that is part of beer pong cup holder 200 (e.g., graphical design 220) or a phosphorescent material that is not part of beer pong cup holder 200. For example, in some embodiments, the beverage cups are at least partially printed with a phosphorescent material (e.g., a graphical design is printed on the beverage cups with a phosphorescent material, or the top rims of the beverage cups are printed with a phosphorescent material). Alternatively, or in addition, in some embodiments, the ball used in the beer pong game is printed with a phosphorescent material (e.g., in some circumstances, a set of beverage cups and balls having such properties is marketed with beer pong cup holder 200). In these embodiments, light source 204 charges the phosphorescent portions of the ball and/or beverage cups. This is advantageous in the case of beverage cups because, for example, the top rims of the beverage cups will glow more uniformly in these embodiments, and, in the case of the ball, the ball will glow when being thrown or shot by a player.

In some embodiments, graphical design 220 is a cyan-magenta-yellow-key (CMYK) graphic. In some embodiments, graphical design 220 is transferred onto the inner wall 108 using hydrographics, also known as water transfer imaging. In one such process, the inner wall 108 is pre-treated and a base coat material is applied. A polyvinyl alcohol film is gravure-printed with an image of graphical design 220 to be transferred, and is then floated on the surface of a vat of water. An activator chemical is sprayed on the film to dissolve it into a liquid and activate a bonding agent. Inner wall 108 is then lowered (e.g., together with the outer wall 110 and top wall 224) into the vat, through the floating ink layer, which wraps around and adheres to it. After removing inner wall 108 from the water, a top coat is applied to protect the design. A kit for performing such a transfer is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,360,239, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

In some embodiments, although not shown, beer pong cup holder 200 further includes a plurality of second light sources arranged within the inner region. The light sources of the plurality of second light sources are located between the beverage cups when the beverage cups are of predefined (e.g., standard) size and arranged at maximum capacity. FIGS. 3-6 describe the second light sources in greater detail. In some embodiments, beer pong cup holder 200 further includes a plurality of third light sources, which are analogous to the second light sources except that the light sources of the plurality of third light sources are located between the beverage cups when the beverage cups are of predefined (e.g., standard) size and arranged at a predefined capacity that is less than the maximum capacity. For example, as described above, some beer pong rules dictate a “re-rack,” in which the beverage cups are rearranged midway through a game (e.g., in accordance with some rules, when there are six of 10 beverage cups remaining, the beverage cups are rearranged into a smaller triangle as compared to the original 10 cup arrangement). In this case, beer pong cup holder 200 optionally includes a plurality of third light sources positioned between the beverage cups when the beverage cups are in the six beverage cup triangle. In some embodiments, the third light sources are the same type of light source as the second light sources (e.g., ultraviolet thru-hole LEDs).

Although beer pong cup holder 200 is shown as a free-standing beer pong cup holder, in other embodiments, beer pong cup holder 200 is mechanically coupled to or incorporated into a beer pong table. In addition, beer pong cup holder 200 optionally includes any of the features of the beer pong cup holders described with references to any of the other figures, although such features may not be shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is a three-dimensional (3D) isometric view of a beer pong cup holder 300 for containing and illuminating beverage cups, in accordance with some embodiments. Beer pong cup holder 300 includes a panel 302 that has a top surface 304. Top surface 304 includes a plurality of visual indicia 306. For the sake of visual clarity, only selected visual indicia 306 are labeled with a reference number (e.g., visual indicia 306-a, 306-b, and 306-c). Each visual indicium 306 indicates a respective location on which to position a beverage cup of a predefined size.

Typically, each of the beverage cups has a rim 310 (e.g., a top rim). Further, beer pong cup holder 300 also includes a plurality of light sources 312. For the sake of visual clarity, only selected light sources 312 are labeled with a reference number (e.g., light sources 312-a, 312-b, and 312-c). Also, in some embodiments, the second light sources described with reference to FIG. 2 are embodied as light sources 312. In some embodiments, the light sources of light sources 312 are ultraviolet thru-hole LEDs. But in some embodiments, the light sources of light sources 312 are thru-hole LEDs that operate at a different wavelength that is not in the ultraviolet range.

Further, in some embodiments, visual indicia 306 are embodied as relief in top surface 304 of panel 302. In some embodiments, the relief in top surface 304 of panel 302 also serves as a mechanical holder for the beverage cups, in that it provides a snug or secure fit for the beverage cups. Alternatively, or in addition, in some embodiments, visual indicia 306 are embodied as visual markings (e.g., objects such as circles, crosses, logos, icons, or “bulls-eye” targets). In some embodiments (not shown), the panel is a beer pong table (e.g., beer pong cup holder 300 is incorporated into the surface of a beer pong table).

Light sources 312 can be arranged in any number of ways. Typically, to avoid the problem of unsightly illumination of beer, light sources 312 are disposed on top surface 304 at locations other than those locations upon which beverage cups rest when the beverage cups are placed in accordance with visual indicia 306. For example, in some embodiments, light sources 312 are disposed in between the respective locations of the beverage cups when the beverage cups are placed in accordance with visual indicia 306 (e.g., the plurality of light sources includes a light source positioned halfway between geometric centers of each pair of respective locations on which to position a beverage cup of predefined size). In this manner, the light is shone upwardly from the side of each beverage cup, and is thus referred to as “under side of cup illumination.” Such embodiments are advantageous because, by positioning the light sources between the beverage cups when in use, the problem of unsightly illumination of beer is mitigated.

Although beer pong cup holder 300 is shown as a free-standing beer pong cup holder, in other embodiments, beer pong cup holder 300 is mechanically coupled to or incorporated into a beer pong table. In addition, beer pong cup holder 300 optionally includes any of the features of the beer pong cup holders described with references to any of the other figures, although such features may not be shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4A is a plan view of a beer pong cup holder 400 for containing and illuminating beverage cups, in accordance with some embodiments. Beer pong cup holder 400 illustrates another “under side of cup illumination” arrangement. As illustrated with reference to beer pong cup holder 400, in some embodiments, each of the respective locations on which to position a beverage cup of predetermined size is surrounded by a plurality of light sources 404. For example, beer pong cup holder 400 is an example of a beer pong cup holder in which each of the respective locations is surrounded by six light sources 404 (e.g., beverage cup location 408-a is surrounded by light sources 404-a, 404-b, 404-c, 404-d, 404-e, and 404-f; and beverage cup location 408-b is surrounded by light sources 404-g, 404-h, and 404-i, as well as others). Each of the light sources 404 surrounding a beverage cup location 408 is disposed on a circle centered at a geometrical center of the beverage cup location 408, with a radius slightly greater than the minor radius of the standard beverage cups, and are angularly separated from one another by a predefined inner angle (e.g., in the case of beer pong cup holder 400, 60 degrees).

FIG. 4B is a partial side view of beer pong cup holder 400, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 4B, in the case of beer pong cup holder 400, visual indicia 306 include relief 402 of top surface 304. Although not shown, beer pong cup holder 400 also optionally includes a light source positioned under (e.g., directly under) each (or some) beverage cup locations.

Although beer pong cup holder 400 is shown as a free-standing beer pong cup holder, in other embodiments, beer pong cup holder 400 is mechanically coupled to or incorporated into a beer pong table. In addition, beer pong cup holder 400 optionally includes any of the features of the beer pong cup holders described with references to any of the other figures, although such features may not be shown in FIGS. 4A-4B.

FIGS. 5-6 illustrate additional under side of cup illumination arrangements of light sources coupled with a panel (e.g., disposed on a top surface of the panel), in accordance with a variety of embodiments. Beer pong cup holders 500 and 600 can also optionally be incorporated into a table and/or can include any of the features described with reference to any of the other figures.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a beer pong cup holder 500 for containing and illuminating beverage cups, in accordance with some embodiments. Beer pong cup holder 500 is analogous to beer pong cup holder 400 except that there are three light sources surrounding each beverage cup location (light sources 404-j, 404-k, and 404-l surround beverage cup location 508). Each of the light sources 404 surrounding beverage cup 508 is disposed on a circle centered at a geometrical center of a beverage cup location, with a radius slightly greater than the minor radius of the beverage cups, and are angularly separated from one another by a predefined inner angle (e.g., in the case of beer pong cup holder 500, 120 degrees).

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a beer pong cup holder 600 for containing and illuminating beverage cups, in accordance with some embodiments. Beer pong cup holder 600 is analogous to beer pong cup holder 400 except that there are five light sources surrounding each beverage cup location (light sources 404-m, 404-n, 404-o, 404-p, and 404-q surround beverage cup 608-a). Also, several of the light sources 404 surrounding each of the beverage cup locations on beer pong cup holder 600 are shared by two beverage cup locations. For example, light source 404-m is among a plurality of light sources that surrounds beverage cup location 608-a, but it is also among a different plurality (e.g., an overlapping plurality) of light sources 404 that surround beverage cup location 608-c. Likewise, light source 404-n is among a plurality of light sources that surrounds beverage cup location 608-a, but it is also among a still different plurality (e.g., an overlapping plurality) of light sources 404 that surround beverage cup location 608-b.

Although the current embodiments have generally been described with reference to a beer pong cup holder, the ideas described above are equally applicable to any sort of frame. For example, it is envisioned that the principles described above could be used to illuminate beverage cups on any sort of table (e.g., a bar table). It is also envisioned that the principles described above could be used to illuminate beverage cups on any sort of beverage cup holder (e.g., a holder that restaurant servers use to transport and serve beverages to a table). Therefore, stated more generally, the present disclosure is intended to support claims for an apparatus that includes a frame for containing objects, where the frame includes one or more segments that continuously, or discontinuously, collectively define an inner region of the apparatus. The apparatus also includes an illumination device disposed on or within the one or more segments and arranged to shine light at least toward the inner region of the apparatus and thus toward the objects. Further, in accordance with a wide variety of embodiments, the apparatus can optionally have or include any of the features of the beer pong cup holder described here.

The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first wall could be termed a second wall, and, similarly, a second wall could be termed a first wall, without changing the meaning of the description, so long as all occurrences of the “first wall” are renamed consistently and all occurrences of the “second wall” are renamed consistently. The first wall and the wall are both walls, but they are not the same wall.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular implementations only and is not intended to be limiting of the claims. As used in the description of the implementations and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, the term “if” may be construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in accordance with a determination” or “in response to detecting,” that a stated condition precedent is true, depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined [that a stated condition precedent is true]” or “if [a stated condition precedent is true]” or “when [a stated condition precedent is true]” may be construed to mean “upon determining” or “upon a determination that” or “in response to determining” or “in accordance with a determination” or “upon detecting” or “in response to detecting” that the stated condition precedent is true, depending on the context. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A beer pong cup holder, comprising: a frame for containing beverage cups, the frame including one or more segments, wherein the one or more segments, continuously or discontinuously, collectively define an inner region of the beer pong cup holder; and an illumination device disposed on or within the one or more segments and arranged to shine light at least toward the inner region of the beer pong cup holder.
 2. The beer pong cup holder of claim 1, wherein the inner region is substantially triangular.
 3. The beer pong cup holder of claim 1, wherein the one or more segments comprise a plurality of straight segments.
 4. The beer pong cup holder of claim 1, wherein the one or more segments include an inner wall and an outer wall, and wherein the respective inner walls of the one or more segments define the inner region of the beer pong cup holder and the illumination device is disposed between said inner wall and said outer wall of the one or more segments.
 5. The beer pong cup holder of claim 4, wherein the illumination device comprises: an assembly arranged between said inner surface and said outer surface; a light source; and circuitry for providing power to said light source.
 6. The beer pong cup holder of claim 5, wherein the light source and the circuitry for providing power to said light source are mounted with the assembly such that, when the beer pong cup holder is placed on a table for use, the light source and the circuitry for providing power to said light source are elevated from the surface of the table.
 7. The beer pong cup holder of claim 5, wherein the light source is one of a cold cathode or a light emitting diode (LED) strip.
 8. The beer pong cup holder of claim 5, wherein the light source is an ultraviolet light source and the light is ultraviolet light.
 9. The beer pong cup holder of claim 4, wherein the inner wall and the outer wall are made from a material that is substantially transparent to the light.
 10. The beer pong cup holder of claim 4, wherein the inner wall and the outer wall are coupled by a top wall.
 11. The beer pong cup holder of claim 10, wherein the inner wall, outer wall, and top wall are continuous in cross-section and formed from extrusion of a material from which they are made.
 12. The beer pong cup holder of claim 1, wherein the beer pong cup holder is arranged to contain a plurality of beverage cups within the inner region, each of the beverage cups having a top rim, and wherein the illumination device is arranged to shine the light toward the top rim of each of the plurality of beverage cups.
 13. The beer pong cup holder claim 1, further including a plurality of second light sources arranged within said inner region, wherein the light sources of the plurality of second light sources are located between said beverage cups when the beverage cups are of a predefined size and arranged at a maximum capacity of beverage cups within the inner region of the beer pong cup holder.
 14. The beer pong cup holder of claim 13, wherein the plurality of second light sources shines light substantially upward toward the rim of said beverage cups.
 15. The beer pong cup holder of claim 1, wherein the beer pong cup holder is incorporated into a playing surface of a beer pong table.
 16. A beer pong cup holder, comprising: a panel having a top surface that includes a plurality of visual indicia, each indicating a respective location on which to position a beverage cup of a predefined size, wherein each of the beverage cups has a rim; and a plurality of light sources coupled with the panel and arranged such that, when said beverage cups are arranged on the surface in accordance with the visual indicia, the light sources of the plurality of light sources are positioned between the beverage cups and shine light upward toward the rims of the beverage cups.
 17. The beer pong cup holder of claim 16, wherein the plurality of light sources comprises ultraviolet light sources.
 18. The beer pong cup holder of claim 16, wherein the visual indicia are embodied as relief in the surface of the panel.
 19. The beer pong cup holder of claim 16, wherein the visual indicia are embodied as visual markings on the surface of the panel.
 20. The beer pong cup holder of claim 16, wherein the plurality of light sources includes a light source positioned halfway between geometric centers of each pair of respective locations on which to position a beverage cup of predefined size.
 21. The beer pong cup holder of claim 16, wherein the plurality of visual indicia includes visual indicia corresponding to 10 beverage cup locations.
 22. The beer pong cup holder of claim 21, wherein the 10 beverage cup locations are arranged in a triangular manner.
 23. The beer pong cup holder of claim 22, wherein the 10 beverage cup locations are arranged in a first row of 4 cups, a second row of 3 cups, a third row of 2 cups, and a fourth row of 1 cup.
 24. The beer pong cup holder of claim 16, wherein the panel is a playing surface of a beer pong table. 